The summer following my freshman year of college, I accomplished one of my major life goals: studying abroad. Ever since my 6th grade class began to study foreign cultures, I’d been hooked on the idea that I needed to study aboard to acquire critical language and culture skills. Thanks to my parents and my university, Jackson State University, I was able to accomplish that goal without travelling with any family or friends. At the age of 18, I became the first in my immediate to travel beyond the U.S. border.

There were so many different sights and flavors that made up my Costa Rican journey, and I’m so grateful to the school that I had attended, El Instituto de Cultura y Lengua Costarricense (Alajuela, CR). The entire ICLC staff ensured that I got the most out of my tuition with a total immersion experience while my Tican family showed me so much love and support as I explored their culture and language. With their help, I was able to become fluent in Spanish after only 2 months in Costa Rica. To this day, I’m still able to connect with the many people I met there as I continue to learn more about Spanish language and Latin-American culture.

If you’re interested in exploring the many facets of Latin-American culture in a tropical, inviting setting, I’d encourage you all to check out the Institute’s website and/ their Facebook page. I’m sure you’ll have an unforgettable experience. Check out more of my posts entitled “CR Travel Diaries” for more on my Costa Rican journey.